Did you know that the Smoky Mountains
has a natural phenomenon that occurs only one other place in the world? For a couple of weeks in early summer in mid
June (4th thru the 12th), a rare species of fireflies
come into the Smoky
Mountains to do
synchronized blinking. This species has
an internal sensor that lets them know when another firefly is lit. The fireflies can be lit for up to 6 seconds,
it creates a wave of blinking lights that is absolutely amazing to see. The only other known location that this
happens is in Southeast Asia.
Fireflies are beetles. They take
from one to two years to mature from larvae, but will live as adults for only
about 21 days. Their light patterns are part of the adulthood mating display.
Each species of firefly has characteristic flash pattern that helps its male
and female individuals recognize each other. Most species produce a
greenish-yellow light; one species has a bluish light. The males fly and flash
and the usually stationary females respond with a flash. Peak flashing for
synchronous fireflies in the park is normally within a two-week period in
mid-June.
The production
of light by living organisms is called bioluminescence. Many species of insects
and marine creatures are capable of it. Fireflies combine the chemical
luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in their lanterns (part of
their abdomens) to make light. The chemical reaction is very efficient and
produces little or no heat.
No one is sure why the fireflies
flash synchronously. Competition between males may be one reason: they all want
to be the first to flash. Or perhaps if the males all flash together they have
a better chance of being noticed, and the females can make better comparisons.
The fireflies do not always flash in unison. They may flash in waves across
hillsides, and at other times will flash randomly. Synchronicity occurs in
short bursts that end with abrupt periods of darkness.
How can you see them?
There are Gatlinburg trolleys that go to Sugarlands Visitor
Center to pick up
visitors every 20 minutes starting at 7:00pm.
They run June 4th thru the 12th. The fireflies usually start lighting up
around 9:30pm. It costs $1.00 per person
to ride the trolley. It takes you to the
Little River Trailhead at Elkmont. The
last trolley back leaves at 11:00pm. No
private vehicles are allowed into the Little River Trailhead after 5:00pm,
unless you are staying at the campground.
Here are the rules;
- Bring
a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, a flashlight that is covered in red or
blue cellophane to minimize white lights, keep them pointed down and turn
them off when you get to your destination.
- Carry
a backpack with any refreshments you may need.
- The
only amenities available are portapotty’s.
- No pets or alcoholic beverages are
allowed.
- If you
want to take pictures, don’t use a flash and set your aperture to f11 and
take a long exposure on a tripod to get a nice glowing picture.
- Park
rangers and volunteers will be around for questions, guided walks and
assistance.
- Don’t
forget the last trolley leaves at 11:00pm
